Compact bulb Question?

Ok, I know there is always allot of talk about compact bulbs verses linear bulbs due to the danger of eye issues caused with the compact versions.

My questions is as this has been ongoing debate and companies have been made aware of this issue and testing and studies have been performed since this time.... "Are there any compact bulbs on the market today that are safe?" Note: I use and always will use The Reptisun 5.0 linear tube UVB bulb over my enclosures as I really feel this is best and produces wonderful results. Note: I am in no way implying that any newcomers misunderstand and use a compact bulb... stick to the linears.... This is an "out of enclosure question".

So why am I asking about "compacts"... Well, I am slowly trying to free range more and if there was a Safe compact bulb available this would obviously be easier for me to set up and incorporate into my home than having to somehow "hang" a linear hood from my ceiling as my Husband would not like that so much.

Just curious as to thoughts, opinions and anyone who has experience with such and what type of sucess has been achived. If the bottom line is that there is still no 100% "safe" version than I would not risk my Cham's health or safety.

As far as I know, the reptiglo compact bulbs are safe, and the reptisun compact bulbs are safe but only the ones made after a certain date.

I've used the reptiglo before with no issues, and some members ONLY use the compact reptiglos.

Howdy Gensen,

Here's an article that talks a little bit about CFL UVB lights. When I have time, I'll have to re-read it to remember what i wrote .

http://www.chameleonnews.com/10JulWeldon.html

I have used reptiGLO CLFs without issue.
You may find this previous thread regarding ReptiSUN old and new CFLs helpful:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/repti-sun-cfl-old-vs-new-31927/

I've also used reptiGLO CFL's and it messed up pedro's eyes.
I switched to a linear tube ReptiGlo and his eyes cleared up and he was fine once more

sandrachameleon said:

I have used reptiGLO CLFs without issue.

Click to expand...

PedroANDAshley said:

I've also used reptiGLO CFL's and it messed up pedro's eyes.

Click to expand...

This suggests there may be good and bad boxes of this brand as there are/were with ReptiSun.

Or that there was another issue with his eyes...

sandrachameleon said:

This suggests there may be good and bad boxes of this brand as there are/were with ReptiSun.

Click to expand...

You absoultly right,
I just hate taking the chance.

pssh said:

Or that there was another issue with his eyes...

Click to expand...

Maybe but I highly doubt it.

Howdy,

The "safety status" of CFLs from some suppliers still remains in question. These suppliers receive their CFL units from manufacturers whose construction techniques and phosphor formulas change without notice which means we're "in the dark" rolleyes regarding their safety and effectiveness.

From September 2010 on the UVB Meter Owners Group site, here's a post by Dr. Fraines Baines, of "UV Guide UK" fame.

"You've also asked about the ExoTerra ReptiGlo fluorescent lamps. I am in the middle of testing a whole series of these (both compacts and tubes) and all I'd say at the moment is that both the 5.0 and 10.0 lamps have fairly high UVB:UVI ratios so it would be advisable to prevent very close access to any of these, especially the 10.0 lamps. There are a very small number of reports of skin and eye problems seemingly associated with this range of lamps, seemingly when there is close access and/or with albino or other hypo-pigmented reptiles with more sensitive skin.

I hope this helps. Frances"

As you can see, there are some (batch?) potential issues even with the ReptiGlo product .

The manufacturer needs to do batch level, full spectral content testing of these UVB products. If the manufacturer doesn't have the proper equipment to do sample testing of the product then we will continue to receive questionable units. It is at least my hope that these manfacturers do not knowingly release questionable products.

This might help a bit for those looking at Zoo Med CFLs.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/repti-sun-cfl-old-vs-new-31927/

The old is still out there!!!! Yikes!!!

Well after the long ongoing debate about the old CFL verses the newer visions that the companies were to better.... you would not believe how many "old ones" there are still floating around out there on Petstore shelves!!! Gerrrrr! You would think that they would have had to pull them or re-call so they are not still being sold but I guess not cause after all the time that has passed the old versions are still on the shelves! I out of curiosity and lots of research went to various stores and opend the boxes looking to see what's up and I only found one newer one.?? Go figure!

Yeah, if you find a nice mom and pop pet store (that is good with their animals!) they may be willing to order a new shipment if the issue with the old ones is explained to them.

I believe Zoo Med will exchange old for new if the retailer contacts them. So if you go to a mom and pop shop, they most likely would act on this. Petsmart and Petco, most likely won't happen.

I've always used ReptiSun Linear and have had no problems with it (obviously)

I've in the past used Reptisun CFL and have also never had any issues, however i changed up to Linear because i'm not one to take chances, ESPECIALLY when it comes to my chams

I posted a thread about this bulb As you can see on the link in the thread, it leads to another forum where a guy tests certain bulbs and he say by the tests he took that exo terra reptio glo bulbs seem to be safe.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/compact-5-0-light-question-47860/ but they have to be past 2009